Assembly joins Stonewall to launch trans equality initiative

​The National Assembly for Wales is one of 13 leading organisations to join forces with LGBT charity Stonewall to support trans people in the workplace and beyond

The Assembly back new programme to encourage non-trans people to 'come out for trans equality'

Innovative training will help staff improve understanding of issues facing the trans community

The National Assembly for Wales joins a diverse range of organisations as launch partner for new programme to create better allies for trans people by Stonewall.

As one of 13 prominent launch partners from across sectors, the Assembly will be leading the way in delivering this innovative one-day programme in-house. In pledging their support, the Assembly is demonstrating their commitment to bringing positive change in workplaces and communities for all trans and non-binary people.

The trans allies programme will help non-trans people understand how they can tackle anti-trans discrimination and 'come out' in support of trans people everywhere as allies. They will receive a deeper understanding of the impact of transphobia, along with the tools and language to better include trans people at work and in their everyday lives. The final programme will be is open to any individual from any industry in any role who is committed to trans equality.

The Assembly's pledge to improve trans inclusion comes at a time when trans and non-binary people face alarming levels of discrimination at work and in society.

Earlier this year Stonewall released research that showed half of trans people (51 per cent) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse. Moreover, one in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been physically attacked by colleagues or customers in the past year.

Joyce Watson AM, Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for equality says, "In a world where we all too often see transphobia raise its ugly head, we are proud to stand with other leading organisations including the IPO to be a launch partner for Stonewall's new trans ally programme. Supporting more of our staff to become trans allies can be incredibly powerful when creating change. Allies can help celebrate when things are going well and provide support when they are not."

Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall's Director of Empowerment Programmes, said: 'We're proud to have the support of the National Assembly for Wales to help launch our trans allies programme. Their commitment to moving forward in their journey to get trans inclusion right is a sign that a positive future is possible.'

'We know trans and non-binary people face abuse and discrimination in their day-to-day lives. Half of trans and non-binary people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. However, having leading organisations including the National Assembly for Wales backing our trans allies programme shows there is strong support for trans people across different sectors. We are looking forward to building on this extremely positive support to create more inclusive workplaces across Britain.'